Count It Joy

Count it joy

and nev­er be dis­cour­aged

When by tri­als your life is sore­ly pressed.

For you know that when your faith is test­ed

Your en­dur­ance then de­vel­ops best.

Perseverance must com­plete its work­ing;

You will need to let it have its way.

When it’s done

you’ll be com­plete and per­fect

Having all you need to meet each day.

So if any one of you lacks wis­dom

Ask of God

who al­ways hears and cares.

He gives free­ly with­out ask­ing quest­ions;

His abun­dance will be­come your share.

But when ask­ing

you must nev­er fal­ter

Like a wave that’s blown and tossed about.

If you do

you’ll nev­er gain God’s bless­ing;

Double-minded

you’ll suc­cumb to doubt.

Blest the man who per­sev­eres in tri­al;

For you know the test­ing soon will pass.

When it’s o’er and you have stood un­mov­ing

You’ll re­ceive the crown of life at last.

But when tempt­ed

nev­er be ac­cus­ing;

It’s not God who leads you from the path.

Your own lusts se­duce you and en­tice you

Giving birth to sin

and sin to death.

Do not let your­self yield to de­cep­tion;

God’s the source of ev­ery per­fect gift.

He’s the Maker of the stars in heav­en

Changing not as sha­dows move and shift.

For He chose a spir­it birth to give you

Through the Word of truth that you be­lieved.

Thus are you the first-fruits of His la­bors;

By His grace

sal­va­tion is achieved.